Residents of Myo Chaung Island in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, have reported facing significant health challenges due to a shortage of medicine.
The shortage of medicine has left emergency and chronic patients deeply concerned about their lives, a local from Myo Chaung said.
“There is no medicine available for emergency treatment, even for seriously ill patients. We can’t even find basic medicines for runny noses, coughs, and other illnesses. When we do manage to find some, the prices have increased fourfold,” he said.
Myo Chaung Island is located about 2 hours by sea from Kyaukphyu. It has 33 villages, 2 rural health centers and 8 branches.
According to health staff, while the region has sufficient rural health centers, the clinics can no longer operate regularly because the Public Health Department of Kyaukphyu Township has not delivered medicine.
A female rural health worker from Myo Chaung Island said, “Even with our own money, we don’t have permission to transport medicine. Some health workers manage to buy a small amount on their own, but it’s not enough for the entire island.”
Since the fighting started in Arakan State, the military council has blocked the routes between the town and the rural areas in Kyaukphyu Township and prohibited the transport of medicine to rural health centers.
In rural areas with easier transportation, some medicine is available through local means. However, Myo Chaung Island faces significant health challenges due to limited access to such resources.
“It is very difficult for those who need to take medicine regularly,” another local from Myo Chaung said.
A local man from Myo Chaung Island said, “My mother has suffered from diabetes and has to rely on traditional medicine as there is no medicine for diabetes. People with asthma in the village face similar difficulties. Those who need regular medication are struggling.”
Amid the clashes in Kyaukphyu Township, tensions between the two armed forces remain high. The Arakan Army (AA) has blocked and cut off road access to the Danyawaddy Naval Base and the military council’s police headquarters.
The military council’s offensives and shelling have forced residents from around 30 villages in Kyaukphyu Township to seek refuge in safer areas.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)